Rastinews — A statement from Kandil called the framework law "a beginning," saying it can only be implemented if peace language is adopted, its implementation is led and managed by Öcalan, and it is reinforced by new democratic legislation to come.

The written statement was issued by leaders of the PKK, which dissolved itself at its 12th congress last year, regarding the bill known as the "framework law" — formally the Bill on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration — set to be debated tomorrow in the General Assembly of Turkey's parliament, the TBMM.

The statement said Abdullah Öcalan remains in contact and dialogue with state officials, the DEM Party and the movement itself over passing a foundational law that would pave the way for democratization and a resolution of the Kurdish question, and it reiterated that the steps envisioned in the law can only be realized if Öcalan's "freedom and ability to work freely are guaranteed."

'Serious Gaps in Content, and the Language Is a Problem Too'

The statement, which said "this law carries serious errors and shortcomings," continued:

"The report prepared by the parliamentary commission does not reflect proposals aimed at democratization and a resolution of the Kurdish question. In that respect, it falls short of its stated purpose. Speaking only of disarmament without using the word 'Kurdish' shows that the issue is not being addressed as a whole. Beyond the serious gaps in its content, the language and concepts used pose a serious problem for a law meant to serve peace. This is, without question, a language our people and our Movement cannot accept.

Our Movement and our people alike have stressed that if a law is to be passed and a process carried out, this can happen only if Rêber Apo lives and works in freedom. We have said so at every opportunity. Taking steps and putting them into practice with regard to our Movement is possible only if Rêber Apo lives and works in freedom and personally leads and directs it. The Peace and Democratic Society Process advances only when Rêber Apo lives and works in freedom. Every step the Freedom Movement has taken so far has been taken on the expectation that Rêber Apo would secure those free and working conditions. Devlet Bahçeli pledged from the very first day that Rêber Apo's right to hope would be realized."

'Öcalan Given No Defined 'Coordinator' Role'

The statement noted that MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli had proposed Öcalan take on the role of "Coordinator of the Peace Process and Politicization," but said the framework law does not define what role Öcalan would actually play in the process.

The law "only vaguely states that the board to be chaired by the vice president may set up subcommittees," the statement said, arguing that many of the provisions the law envisions will not be realized unless Öcalan "lives and works freely and coordinates this board himself."

'Forget the Guerrillas — Even Politicians Exiled to Europe Couldn't Return'

The statement read: "The guerrillas are being asked to disarm and come down. But if, once in Turkey, they cannot engage in democratic politics on the basis of freedom of thought and organization, and if they will be prosecuted and jailed over what they have said and the organizations they have built, then forget the guerrillas coming down from the mountains — even politicians who were forced into exile in Europe would not be able to return."

'This Law Is a Beginning'

The statement, which argued that the process set in motion by the framework law can only be implemented under Öcalan's leadership and alongside new democratic legislation, said:

"This law is a beginning. The struggle for democratization must be advanced to resolve all outstanding issues, foremost among them the Kurdish question. Our peoples and all democratic forces must organize and struggle for democratization and a resolution of the Kurdish question. Only then can the resulting law truly serve as a framework law and become a starting point for major developments."